Alumni Columns (Summer 2020)

2020·18.1 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

SUMMER 2020
Northwestern State University Magazine
Messages Alumni Columns
Official Publication of
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Organized in 1884
Dear Alumni: A member of CASE
Volume XXX Number 2 SUMMER 2020
2020 has not been what we expected. No one could have The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is published
by Northwestern State University,
predicted that so many aspects of our lives would be disrupted
Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002
by the COVID-19 pandemic. Making decisions during a time of
Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,
many unknowns can be difficult, but we are guided by prioritiz- and at additional mailing offices.
ing the health and safety of our campus community and the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the
university’s educational mission. The NSU faculty accomplished Alumni Columns, Northwestern State University,
Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.
an enormous task in moving course instruction online in a short
Alumni Office Phone: [phone] and 888-799-6486
time and our students showed their willingness to adapt and FAX: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected]
persevere, though many completed the semester under less
Dr. Chris Maggio
1985, 1991 than ideal circumstances. President ..............N....S..U... .A.MLUonMtyN CIh OicFolFaI, CAEleRxSandria, 1979, 1980
President 1st Vice President ......Patricia Hrapmann, New Orleans, 1973, 1978
Looking towards the future, NSU is joining sister schools in the
Northwestern State 2nd Vice President...................................Leah Sherman Middlebrook,
University University of Louisiana System in planning for a fall reopen- Dallas, 1986, 2016
ing. Plans will be announced as details are finalized but we are Secretary .............................Virginia Monceret, New Roads, 2001
Treasurer .........................Nikki Ceaser Small, Dallas, Texas, 2007
working together to develop a framework of guidelines that
are focused on the health and safety of the NSU community. EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Things will be a bit different, but it will be wonderful to see our NSU President ..................................Dr. Chris Maggio, 1985, 1991
Vice President for External Affairs ....................Jerry Pierce, 1961
campuses come back to life.
Assistant Vice President of External Affairs
for University Advancement ................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
I want to thank you for the many positive messages, texts and
comments that you sent to share your thoughts on the work the BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. P. Cade Brumley ..........................................New Orleans, 2002
university has done to make the best of a trying situation. Our
Jerry Brungart .........................................Natchitoches, 1969, 1971
faculty and staff have gone to great lengths to assist students -- Tommy Chester .................................................Natchitoches, 1969
and each other -- in navigating this new normal. Caron Chester Coleman ...................................Natchitoches, 2000
Shade Dufrene ................................................Baton Rouge, 1999, 2003
Allen Evans ............................................................Shreveport, 1989
Finally, I join leaders throughout the nation in voicing our com-
John Evans ..........................................................Natchitoches, 1992
mitment to ensuring that every individual served and touched by LaTasha Gray-Grant....................................Mansfield, Texas, 2007
this institution is treated equally, fairly and with genuine dignity. Dr. Hayward Hargrove ......................Black Mountain, N.C., 1964
Trey Hill ....................................................................Carencro, 1985
I ask that you join me in pledging to work vigorously to establish Carlos Jones .............................................Round Rock, Texas, 1993
an atmosphere at our university where every person is honored, Emilie King.............................................................Shreveport, 2017
Matt Koury ................................................................Leesville, 1995
respected and treated equally and with the utmost decency.
Jeremy LaCombe...................................................New Roads, 1999
Kim Martin.........................................................Lake Charles, 1988
Please continue to support our students and the mission of our Dr. Lisa Landry Mathews ....................................Shreveport, 1992
alma mater. Thank you for all you do for Northwestern State Kip Patrick ...................................................Washington, DC, 1995
Michael Prudhomme ................................................Natchez, 1984
University.
J. Scott Repp.................................................McKinney, Texas, 1989
Joe Robertson...........................................................DeQuincy, 1990
Mark Spikes ..............................................League City, Texas, 1991
Joseph B. Stamey ................................................Natchitoches, 1983
Dear Alumni: Crystal Hemphill Stewart....................... Natchitoches, 1997, 2003
Glenn Talbert ........................................................Shreveport, 1964
Taylor Townsend ...............................................Natchitoches, 1986
It is evident that when times get tough, our alumni supporters
Marti Vienne ......................................................Natchitoches, 1982
band together to make it through. I want to thank every one of Jim Villard .............................................................Alexandria, 1983
you who contributed to our COVID Emergency Assistance Fund,
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
purchased or made face masks and recognized our healthcare Nicholas Hopkins ..............................Bossier City, SGA President
workers, first responders and others by providing meals, child- Publisher ...........................................Dr. Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Editor ..........................................Leah Pilcher Jackson, 1994, 2011
care and emotional support to those working to protect us all.
Contributors ....................................................................David West
Jason Pugh
Dr. Drake Owens A sudden and unexpected pause to our routines sometimes Matthew Vines, 2016
provides an opportunity to reevaluate, reflect and reorganize. Photography ..............................................Chris Reich, 2007, 2009
2004, 2005
Josh McDaniel
Assistant Vice I’ve been aware of more people reaching out to old friends, get- Design/Layout .......................................Daphne Hines, 1982, 1984
President of External ting better acquainted with neighbors and tackling projects they
Affairs for University had been putting off. In a way, social distancing has made us
Advancement more focused on our immediate surroundings and the blessings
we may have been overlooking during our previously over-
scheduled lives.
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist’s,
The Alumni and Development staff are moving forward and and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation
preparing for fall events, even though we are a bit uncertain
of Northwestern State University.
how some of those events will be executed. We appreciate your
Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender,
patience and understanding.
religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy
or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and
Hopefully – sooner rather than later – we will see each other provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following
individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies
again. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and each other. (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer (318-357-
Thanks for all you do to support NSU. 6359) and Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-357-5286). For Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director at 318-357-
4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus
Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security
and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-security-
report/. Full disclosure statement: http://universityplanning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-
discrimination.
NSU News
Golden Jubilee, Long Purple Line induction rescheduled
Two big events are back on the Golden Jubilee tailgate begins Tennessee, and former NSU faculty
the books at Northwestern State at 2 p.m. Participants will receive a member Thomas Whitehead of
University. The NSU Alumni wristband for the tailgate, football Natchitoches.
Association has rescheduled the game and parking pass. The Long Purple Line was
Golden Jubilee celebration for the Members of the Class of 1970 established to provide recognition
Class of 1970 Homecoming weekend, interested in receiving information on and appreciation to individuals whose
Oct. 16-17 and the Long Purple Line the Golden Jubilee celebration should career accomplishments or service
induction program for Friday, Oct. 30. contact Danielle Cobb at cobbd@ to their fellow man have enhanced
The Golden Jubilee will include nsula.edu or [phone]. the reputation and prestige of
a lunch at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Six distinguished Northwestern Northwestern State.
for all 50-year graduates. Guests will State University alumni were inducted The Long Purple Line induction
be given Natchitoches Welcome into the university’s Alumni Hall will begin with a reception at 10:30
Bags and can spend the afternoon of Distinction, the Long Purple a.m. for former inductees into
shopping and exploring downtown Line. This year’s inductees are state the Long Purple Line followed by
Natchitoches before the 5:30 p.m. official Sujuan Boutte of Prairieville, a noon luncheon and induction
Homecoming parade. A reception businessman Harvey F. Marcus Sr. of ceremony at the Natchitoches Events
will take place at 7 p.m. with location Monroe, Louisiana State University Center. Check-in for the lunch will
to be determined in which 50-year Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron of begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $25
graduates will be recognized. Baton Rouge, NSU Vice President for and can be purchased at https://
On Saturday, Oct. 17, guests can join External Affairs Jerry Pierce, Fed Ex longpurpleline2020.eventbrite.com
a bus tour of area plantations before executive John A. Smith of Memphis, through Oct. 27.
COEHD planning 20th
––– SAVE THE DATE –––
anniversary celebration
Greek Centennial
The Hall of Distinguished
Educators, sponsored by Celebration
NSU’s Gallaspy of Education
and Human Development,
is celebrating its 20th
anniversary this October. 
As a special celebration
new members will not be
selected this year; rather,
there will be a holistic
celebration of all recipients
and our heritage, according
to Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of the College.
“We are campaigning to endow a scholarship as part
of the event,” McAlister said. “We will be soliciting all past
recipients, their families, as well as general public to honor a
teacher that significantly impacted their life.”
Learn more at nsula.edu/greeks100
More details will be available as plans are finalized,
McAlister said.
April 9, 10, & 11, 2021
For more information, contact McAlister at mcalisterk@
nsula.edu or [phone]

On the cover: First-generation college student Char’Tarian Wilson of Greenwood, Class of 2020
This public document was published at a total cost of $19,602.78. 49,565 copies of this public document were published in this first printing at a cost of
$19,602.78. The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $19,602.78. This document was published by Northwestern State University
Office of University Advancement and printed by Cenveo Worldwide Limited, 200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902 to foster and promote the
mutually beneficial relationship between Northwestern State University and its alumni, supporters and community partners. This material was printed in
accordance with standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the
provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.
1 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Former president Dr. Robert Alost dies
Former Northwestern State University president Dr. Robert
Alost, who led the university from 1986-1996, died April 17,
2020, after a long illness. Before becoming president, Alost,
85, served NSU as a faculty member, department head and
dean. He was also co-founder of the Louisiana School for
Math, Science and the Arts and director of the school from
1982 to 1986.
A memorial scholarship was created to honor Alost.
Friends are invited to contribute to the scholarship by
visiting http://www.northwesternstatealumni.com/alost-
scholarship/.
Criteria for the scholarship is still in development.
During his presidency at NSU, Alost led the university
to an unprecedented period of growth when enrollment
at Northwestern State increased from 5,272 to more than
9,000. That substantial increase laid the foundation for
progress in academic achievement, athletic success, facility
enhancements and other accomplishments that provided
ongoing stability for the university after a period of
declining enrollment and fiscal uncertainty.
“All alumni of Northwestern owe Dr. Alost a debt of
gratitude for guiding and advocating for our university,” said
NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “He was a mentor to me
personally and professionally and a strong leader through
uncertain times at NSU.”
“President Alost led Northwestern State through a
difficult era, and established a standard of not just surviving
adversity, but thriving in its midst,” said University of Dr. Robert Alost
Louisiana System President Dr. Jim Henderson. “He was
1935-2020
simultaneously imposing and infinitely approachable.
Personally, I am forever grateful for his mentorship and
friendship.”  In 1968, he became chairman of the department and was
During his tenure, Alost oversaw the development of the elevated to dean of the College of Education in 1975.
Louisiana Scholars’ College, Louisiana’s designated honors In 1982, Alost left Northwestern to become director of the
college, and was engaged in the initial organization of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, the nation’s
Department of Creative and Performing Arts, helping to first residential secondary school for academically gifted and
establish the scholarship budget that was critical to the artistically talented students. He returned to NSU four years
development of CAPA programs. later to serve as president.
Also during his administration, Northwestern became “We cannot begin to count the number of students and
the first university in the nation to participate in the families positively impacted by Dr. Alost’s work in education,”
Joint Venture (JOVE) Program with NASA. He played said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA executive director. “He was a
an instrumental role in bringing the National Center visionary beyond measure, and our deepest condolences are
for Preservation Technology and Training to NSU. He with his family at this time.” 
also oversaw the development of a doctoral program in Active in numerous professional, civic and religious
educational technology, visionary for its time, designed to organizations, Alost was past president of the Natchitoches
instruct educators on the most effective methods of using Parish Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board
technology in the classroom. of Directors of the Natchitoches Tourist Commission. He
Alost first stepped onto the Northwestern campus as was named Natchitoches’ Man of the Year in 1987. He was
an undergraduate in 1953. He was a two-year football named to a 46-member NCAA Council Board of Directors in
letterman in the 1954 and 1955 seasons for the Demons, 1992.
playing tackle.  Alost was inducted into the Northwestern Alumni Hall of
He earned a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern in 1957 Distinction, the Long Purple Line, in 2005 and was named a
and a master’s degree in 1958. He earned a doctorate Natchitoches Treasure in 2018. He was inducted into NSU’s
from Louisiana State University in 1963 and returned to N Club Hall of Fame in 1990. Last year he was inducted into
Northwestern later that year as a faculty member in the the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. D. Dear School of Creative
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. and Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
2 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Eckert committed to advocacy for teachers, students
Brusly High School teacher and Northwestern State
University alumna Kimberly Eckert was named one of
50 finalists for the $1 million Varkey Foundation Global
Teacher Prize.  Each year, the Varkey Foundation partners
with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) to recognize a teacher who has made
an outstanding contribution to the teaching community.
To be considered, a teacher must be nominated by a former
finalist then complete a comprehensive application process. 
The top 50 shortlist has representatives from 37 countries.
Eckert is Louisiana’s first Global Teacher Prize finalist and just
one of five from the United States this year. 
Eckert earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at
Northwestern State, completed her teacher preparation
program through LRCE and earned a master’s degree in
special education at NSU. She is currently two courses short
of a second master’s in curriculum and instruction with a
reading focus from NSU. Kimberly Eckert
She has been teaching in West Baton Rouge Parish for
11 years. In addition to teaching English I, she has also global force that it is,” she said.  “Though my research and
served as a special education inclusion teacher, a reading efforts to recruit teachers started years ago, my work with
interventionist, speech teacher, mentor and master Educators Rising has allowed me to not only empower myself,
teacher as well as an instructional coach. Since being but to also empower other districts to actually do something
named Louisiana’s teacher of the Year in 2018, Eckert has about teacher shortage.  Even if every program is only able
spearheaded the Educator’s Rising program as the state to produce a teacher or two through Ed Rising, we’ll still end
coordinator, working to bring it to communities across up with two more 21st century teachers committed to equity
Louisiana. The program focuses on elevating and diversifying for all.  Given that one highly skilled teacher is able to impact
the teaching community by encouraging high school hundreds of lives. I’d say that’s tremendous.”  
students to begin training for a teaching career. She said great teachers know that student success comes
Eckert spoke about how the last two years has impacted not strictly from tests and grading, but from relationships,
her teaching and career. connections and figuring out how to help human beings
“My work, the reasons why I teach, my commitment to thrive.  Connections are especially important amid social
advocacy for students and teachers…none of that has distancing and distance learning during the COVID-19
changed,” she said. “However, I’ve been given a tremendous pandemic and its disruption of the spring 2020 school year.
responsibility and a megaphone to amplify my work and “We all quickly started to realize the weight and role of
the needs of Louisiana classrooms.  The things I valued teachers and schools in our communities given the epic
and would strive to communicate in my first nine years of exodus of our access to them.  However, we still have access
teaching remained the same, to each other,” she said.
but over the past three years When asked to offer
more people started to listen. “...my students impact me the most words of encouragement to
“I do not believe teachers teachers and students, she
every day.  They don’t care about having
should have to win awards to shared the following.
be recognized as experts in a teacher with awards.  They just need a “To teachers, you’ve never
our field, but I will take every been more needed and valued. 
teacher they can trust to teach them, love
opportunity that comes my We have collectively shown
way to ensure people know them, and fight for them.” an entire world what we do
that, too.  As for teaching, with limited resources, intense
my students impact me the demands, very little time, and
most every day.  They don’t care about having a teacher with seemingly endless change. We teach, we connect, we adapt so
awards.  They just need a teacher they can trust to teach that our students can thrive.  We’re irreplaceable. Take care of
them, love them, and fight for them.” yourself but take courage from this moment.  People see you.  
Eckert said the greatest need now is enough educators “To my own students, I’ve told them that their whole
to give every child a high-quality education and their best generation all across the world will be defined, in part, by
access to options, no matter their zip code. these moments.  With the moments that we have, like all
“This is a promise we have made to students, and it’s the others, make the most out of them.  During these crazy
one that is impossible to keep until we mitigate teacher times, try your best to work hard, play harder, love hardest. 
shortage by bolstering the pipeline, retaining and supporting None of this was expected, but for the first time in forever,
the effective teachers we have and elevating the teaching the whole world is in it together.”  
profession so that top talent sees it for the life-changing, – Kimberly Eckert
3 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Brumley will serve as state superintendent of education
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education $41,000 per year to about
named Northwestern State University alumnus Dr. Cade Brum- $46,000, the second highest in
ley state superintendent of education. His appointment was the New Orleans area.
confirmed by the state Senate with a start date set for June 8. Brumley is also a graduate of
Brumley will replace John White, who resigned earlier this year. the Harvard Superintendents
“As a Louisiana native, I am extremely honored to be selected Academy and author of “Lead-
by a student-friendly BESE,” Brumley said. “Louisiana may not ership Standards in Action: The
be the largest state in the union, but we have a big table for School Principal as Servant-
collaboration. I look forward to bringing people together to col- Leader.” He is a dynamic
lectively move our state forward. We are primed for continued public speaker, a triathlete and
improvement, drawing on successes of the past and the promise marathoner.
for our future. I will fight for our children, families, and communi- Brumley has remained
ties each day. They deserve our best.” involved at Northwestern and
During his career Brumley has served students as a teacher, currently serves on the board
coach, assistant principal, principal, district leader and super- of director of the NSU Alumni Dr. P. Cade Brumley
intendent, most recently as superintendent of Jefferson Parish Association.
schools since he was unanimously appointed to that position Brumley was honored by NSU’s Gallaspy College of Educa-
in 2018, and as superintendent in DeSoto Parish schools from tion and Human Development in 2015 when he was named an
2012-18. Outstanding Young Professional in Education, an award that
Brumley earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human perfor- recognizes outstanding young professionals who made contri-
mance with a minor in social studies at Northwestern State in 2002, butions in Pre-K through higher education or to the profession
a master’s in education administration from LSU-S in 2004 and a of education through teaching, research or community service.
doctorate in education leadership at Stephen F. Austin in 2007. Brumley is married to the former Toni Vail, who earned under-
He began his career as a teacher and coach in Caddo Parish graduate and graduate degrees at NSU in 2000 and 2002. They
before serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and later are parents to two sons.
principal in Sabine Parish. During his tenure in DeSoto, schools “We offer hearty congratulations to Dr. Brumley, an educa-
there vaulted from being ranked 49th in the state to ninth. tor, administrator and advocate with a demonstrated history
In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana’s largest school district, Brumley of leadership whose first priority has always been the students
implemented changes that included expanding the parish’s he serves,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “We are proud
Spanish-language offerings for new arrivals, changing some that one of our own will assume this role and we believe that a
traditional middle schools into K-8 schools and reorganizing the bright future is ahead for the children and youth of Louisiana.”
central office. Brumley also helped marshal business leaders Brumley is one of three NSU alumni to serve as Louisiana’s
and teacher unions to convince voters to endorse a 10-year superintendent of education. T.H. Harris, who served in that role
property tax hike to raise pay for teachers and other employees. from 1908-1940, was enrolled at Louisiana State Normal Col-
That increase, combined with another $5 million in cost savings lege, as NSU was then known, in 1893. William “Bill” Dodd, who
enacted earlier, increased starting teacher salaries from about served from 1964-72, graduated in 1934.
Athaline Edgar, survivor of two pandemics, celebrates 102nd birthday
Athaline Edgar celebrated her 102nd birthday May 31. Now a resident of Duncan,
Oklahoma, Edgar was born during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and attended
Louisiana State Normal College, as NSU was known in the 1930s. She began her teaching
career in DeRidder, teaching from 1936-1938, where she lived in a boarding house with
other teachers. She met her husband and the couple married just four months later. His
career in the oilfield took them to Odessa, Texas. “I taught teachers, lawyers and many other
professionals in our community,” Edgar said. One of Edgar’s current caretakers, now a retired
Duncan teacher, was in her kindergarten class. She also taught Sunday school for many
years. Niece Susan Mitchell helped Edgar recall a few of her favorite memories from walking
across a creek or bridge, instead of riding in the buggy, selling produce with her daddy and
going to the movies where it “cost a whopping 10 cents,” Edgar said. “No snacks there either.”
Edgar said for her graduation, “they rode the bridge at the Red River.”
“I hated to sew in high school, was always ripping out,” Edgar said but was one of the greatest
accomplishments in her life when she eventually became a very good seamstress. 
“The best invention was the zipper,” she said. “Before the zipper everything had to be
buttoned or tied. Technology has been pretty great, too. I do Skype with my grandson once a
week or so.”
Edgar said she had a few words to the community and upcoming generation from her
past 102 years of learning.
“Hang in there. It will get better,” Edgar said. “Also, learn to cook. I didn’t know how when I
got married, could make candy and cakes though. Most of all, learn a profession.”
Edgar is pictured accompanied by her nieces Sandra Knoll and Mitchell.
4 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Leadership award named for Lamar Bryant
Lamar Bryant, associate dean of students at the University Bryant is a member
of Tennessee in Knoxville, was honored by the Southeastern of Alpha Phi Alpha
Greek Leadership Association (SGLA) who named an award Fraternity Inc. He was
after him, the Lamar Bryant National Pan-Hellenic Council of drawn to the orga-
the Year Award, in recognition of his representation of and nization because of
advocacy for fraternal organizations. Bryant was a key player its values and tenets,
in uniting the Multicultural Greek Councils (MGC) and the and the passion he
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) with the Interfraterni- expressed towards
ty Council (IFC) and the National Panhellenic Council (NPC). his membership
The honor will be awarded to one council from each of in Alpha Phi Alpha
the four umbrella councils, NPHC, NPC, MGC and IFC, who provides insight into
are recognized as the best of their respective institutions. how he views Greek
The awards were created to honor the councils who go organizations.
above and beyond to represent excellence and to represent “As I thought
what it means to be a part of fraternal organizations. about the person I
Bryant was able to present the inaugural award himself to wanted to be and
Jacksonville State University’s NHPC council earlier this year. how I saw myself
“Receiving this honor made me sit there and say ‘wow,’” living my life, there
Bryan said. “Being fully present in that special moment was was a direct correla-
actually quite reinvigorating. It gave me even more motiva- tion to my fraternity. Lamar Bryant
tion to continue living out my purpose through my work in It was important for
higher education, and to continue striving to be my best self me to know that I could be who I was created to be, even
every day, not just for myself, but for the people I have the after I became a fraternity man. Ultimately, Alpha Phi Alpha
honor to work alongside as well.” Fraternity, Inc. enhanced the things that were already impor-
Bryant joined UT’s Office of the Dean of Students in January, tant to me, and that personal alignment is something I really
but he has been making his mark in Greek life for several years. appreciate.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with Bryant transitioned off of the SGLA board at the end of the
a minor in marketing at Northwestern State in 2004 and a 2020 Annual Conference, but that doesn’t mean he’s plan-
master’s degree in college student personnel administration in ning to stop serving the sorority and fraternity community
2007. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the higher educa- anytime soon.
tion program at the University of North Texas. “I still feel like I have a lot of years left in me. I am excited
Since NSU and prior to his current position, he has worked to have the honor of helping present the NPHC Council of
as student development specialist for fraternity and sorority the Year Award to deserving students each year at the SGLA
life at the University of Texas at Tyler and the University of awards banquet, and I hope that I can stay in this profession
Georgia, assistant dean of students and director of student and continue to make valuable contributions for a really
involvement at Bethune Cookman University, assistant di- long time.”
rector of student activities at He wants to continue
Baylor University and direc- to make an impact on the
tor of leadership and service “I am certain Northwestern sorority and fraternity com-
at Baylor. munity and help them realize
Bryant’s wife, the former State University helped shape me their full potential. “I want
Kattina Raymond, earned a to continue helping them
into the person I am today, both
degree in psychology in 2005 understand what it means to
at NSU where she was a track live their ritual; more specifi-
personally and professionally.”
and field athlete. She earned cally, I want to help affiliated
a master’s in social work at students understand both
UTA in 2009. the privilege and responsibil-
He admits that he approaches his work with great passion. ity that comes with membership in their respective fraternal
“I do this work because I genuinely care. I do it because I organizations.”
truly believe that when done right, the fraternity and soror- “I am certain Northwestern State University helped shape
ity life experience is one of the premier student develop- me into the person I am today, both personally and profes-
ment experiences on any college campus. I honestly believe sionally. I will forever be grateful for my time at NSU, and I
that because of the way my own fraternal experience has hope to continue to stay connected with my NSU family for
impacted my life, and over the years, I have had the privilege years to come,” he said. “During recent uncertain times, I was
of seeing it positively impact so many of my students’ lives reminded of the power of community, and I certainly found
as well,” he said. my community as a student at Northwestern State.”
5 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Spotlights
Mack rises in Baton Rouge Florida; and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida.
“The best thing about working with talented and esteemed
cancer care organization
caregivers is seeing their devotion and commitment to caring
for each patient with dignity and grace,” said Price. 
Danielle Mack (2003) has Price holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NSU, and
been named vice president a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University,
and chief development of- Colorado.
ficer for the Mary Bird Perkins Retiring as a major in the United States Air Force in 1997,
Center, a Baton Rouge cancer Price provided service to the U.S. for 17 years. He was a world-
care organization. Mack, a wide consultant for the Department of Defense for hyperbaric
certified fund raising ex- nursing and an instructor for the Air Force Flight Nurse School
ecutive, has nearly 15 years’ and Combat Nursing Course.
experience building and
managing fund develop-
Montelius promoted to assistant
ment, volunteer engagement
and special event programs. director of Ascension OHSEP
A nearly 10-year mem-
ber of Mary Bird Perkins’ Ascension Parish President
development team, Mack Clint Cointment has named
Danielle Mack has provided oversight and Dustin Montelius (2017) as as-
leadership in advancing sistant director of the Ascension
philanthropic support throughout southeast Louisiana. She Parish Office of Homeland Secu-
most recently served as the interim chief development officer, rity and Emergency Prepared-
leading the organization’s philanthropic strategy throughout ness. He was previously serving
the COVID-19 pandemic.  as Operations Section Chief.
Mack graduated from NSU in with a degree in journalism “The COVID-19 pandemic is a
with a concentration on public relations. type of emergency none of us
Mack has also worked at the LSU Foundation and Baylor has ever faced before,” Cointment
College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Her career highlights said. “Dustin really distinguished
include securing multiple major gifts of $50,000 and above himself during this time and
and leading strategy for a successful annual giving program has more than merited this Dustin Montelius
resulting in 95 percent growth. promotion.”
In 2018, Mack was named Outstanding Professional Fund- Montelius joined the Ascension Parish OHSEP in 2017 after
raiser by the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of Association having served with the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office and St.
of Fundraising Professionals, serving as the organization’s James OHSEP. He holds a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts
youngest recipient of this prestigious local award. She is a from Nicholls State University and a Bachelor of Science in
graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Class of 2014 Unified Public Safety Administration from Northwestern State
Leadership Class, 2019 John W. Barton Sr. Community Leader- University. He has attended numerous continuing education
ship Program and 2019 Adweek Executive Mentee. certifications and has been cited by his supervisor for excel-
 “I have been blessed to experience firsthand the power of lence in his work.
philanthropy each and every day within the organization,” “I am proud to call Dustin Montelius a part of the Emergency
said Mack. “As Mary Bird Perkins approaches its 50th Operations Center,” said OHSEP Director Rachael Wilkinson. She
anniversary, I am pleased to lead and work with our generous especially commended the leadership role he played in coordi-
supporters and dedicated Cancer Center team during this nating the many aspects of the EOC during the pandemic.
forthcoming milestone to provide the funds that make the “An outstanding student, Dustin is an advocate for the safety
highest-level of cancer care possible. It’s an honor and earned of the public, and an advocate of NSU and the UPSA program,”
responsibility that I will work to uphold to the highest levels said Jack Atherton, associate professor.  “Dustin has gained
of transparency and trust.” statewide respect in the arena of the professional emergency
management community.”  
Ed Price (1981) was appointed Chief Nursing Office of  Emergency Management in Ascension Parrish is particularly
Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California. He challenging given the nation’s major transportation corridors,
joined the team there in February. Interstate 10 and the Mississippi River which trisect the parish,
Price was previously at Sutter Delta Medical Center, An- Atherton explained. 
tioch, California, where he had served as Chief Nurse Execu- “The challenges of floods, hurricanes, high concentration of
tive since July 2018. Prior to his time there, he served as CNO chemical facilities in the parish and a sensitive environment
for Tenet Healthcare facilities’ Shelby Baptist Medical Center in combine to a formidable list of factors faced daily in the parish
Alabaster, Alabama; Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, by the local emergency management officials,” Atherton said.
6 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Robinson pens note of appreciation for foundation received at Northwestern
Anthony Robinson, professor of percussion at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, sent a warm note to NSU President
Dr. Chris Maggio in May to express gratitude to the NSU faculty and staff from his era (1971-1975) for the exceptional educa-
tion he received and offer his good wishes as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The message is as follows.
The 2020-21 school term will mark the 50th anniversary of me setting foot
on the NSU campus as a freshman music education major. Since graduating
in ’75, here’s how I’ve represented my alma mater.
1976-1978: Began teaching career as general music specialist/6th grade
band teacher at England Air Force Base Elementary School.
1978: Summoned to Marshall, Texas, by former NSU Band Director, Dr. Jerry
Payne, to rebuild the Marshall ISO band program. I served as percussion spe-
cialist/assistant band director for 25 years with Dr. Payne. Along with other
former NSU grads, Albert Hobson, Josie Ross and Elizabeth Bienvenu, we
turned a very weak band program into one of the very best band programs
in east Texas. Dr. Payne retired in the spring of 2002 (after a 45-year run: 20
in Louisiana and 25 in Texas) and I replaced him as director of bands for the
Marshall ISD. I served the district in this capacity for five years and maintained
the high quality band program established by Dr. Payne. There were a few
“side bars” taken on by me during my Marshall tenure:
1978: Auditioned and earned the position of section percussionist with
the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra(2020 concluded my 41st year with the
orchestra).
1979: Joined the United States Air Force Reserve. Served 20 years with De-
tachment 1, 307 RED HORSE Squadron of Barksdale AFB (Civil Engineering);
activated for Gulf War 1, Operation Desert Storm; served as chemical warfare
instructor.
1990: Was asked by the Texas Music Educators Association to serve as per-
cussion organizer/clinician for their All State bands and orchestras. The 2020
convention marked my 30th year to serve in this capacity with some of the
Anthony Robinson
finest student percussionists and wind band and orchestra conductors in the
country, if not in the world.
1993: I was hired to teach applied percussion lessons, percussion methods and woodwind methods at East Texas Baptist
University of Marshall.
Spring 2007: I retired from Marshall ISO after 30 years of service.
Fall 2007: Hired to teach secondary education music majors at Wiley College of Marshall (while still teaching at ETBU).
Served as an instructor at Wiley College for eight years.
1999: Transferred from the Air Force Reserve to the Air National Guard. I served as principal percussionist and First Ser-
geant for the 531st Air Force Band under the command of NSU’s Jeff Mathews.
2005: Activated and deployed to Woodville, Texas, to provide humanitarian aid to victims of Hurricane Rita.
December 2005: The first Air National Guard first sergeant to deploy to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Assigned to the 386 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron located at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, with
forward Ops in Balad and Basra, Iraq.
Post MISD retirement included:
Percussion Specialist at Pittsburg ISD (2007-2009)
Percussion Specialist White Oak ISD (2009-2010)
Percussion Specialist Henderson ISD (2010-2012)
Percussion Specialist Spring Hill lSD (2012-2016)
As you can see, it has been quite a ride! I earned additional degrees from other universities; however, the foundation of my
success was laid in Natchitoches at NSU. I have represented my NSU education on a large stage and, I’m forever grateful.
“Fork ‘Em Demons!” Sincerely,
Anthony Robinson, Med.
Professor of Percussion, ETBU
Marshall ISD (Retired)
United States Air Force (Retired)
7 SUMMER 2020
Alumni News
Guillory leads Louisiana, Texas operations for Sodexo
Ronald “Ronnie” Guillory (2001, 2003) is vice president segment in North America.
of operations for Sodexo, a food service management He also has served on the
company that currently serves NSU. He has been working global flexibility task force for
with the organization for eight years where he leads over Sodexo where he was part of
1,300 employees for universities in Louisiana and Texas. He a group analyzing the impact
has worked in the business for 20 years and over his career of flexibility in the workplace.
has been responsible for accounts in Louisiana, Texas and In addition, Ronald has
Maryland. He is responsible for campus dining operations, served on the hospitality
concessions, finance, investments, client relationships, committee for the Tri-
construction, facilities management and marketing. Centennial campaign for
Guillory was on hand last year to represent Sodexo in the the city of New Orleans, is
opening of Steak ‘n Shake, NSU’s newest dining option. a member of the Knights of
A native of Abbeville, Guillory earned both his Bachelor Columbus, Kappa Alpha Psi
of Science degree in business and Master of Education at Fraternity and the famous
Northwestern State and later earned his Master of Business 610 Stompers. He has also
Administration. He credited Dr. Marcus Jones and John served as president of the St.
Ronald Guillory
Winston as important mentors during his student days. Andrew the Apostle Parish
Guillory began his career as retail manager at Southeastern Council, a YMCA mentor for
Louisiana University, was director of retail at Northwestern and inner-city youth in Baltimore, MD, LEAD mentor for Sodexo,
has worked in management at Louisiana College, Stephen F. and IMPACT mentor for Sodexo. He hopes the trajectory of his
Austin, Johns Hopkins University, Tulane/Loyola and as district career will continue to advance to eventually become the top
manager for Louisiana before his current position as vice executive of the company. Meanwhile, he is also focused on
president for Louisiana and Texas. Last year, he completed the being a great husband and father and making decisions now
Executive Management Program at Cornell University. that will have a positive impact on future generations of his
Guillory, his wife Jada, and children Austin and Ava reside in family.
New Orleans. Guillory also credits his parents, Mark and Glenda Broussard,
At Sodexo, Ron has been a member of the Inclusion Council for the sacrifices they made in supporting him.
for four years and was the co-lead and executive sponsor Guillory noted that his brother, Shaquille Broussard, is a
for the Flexibility Optimizes Work group for the university 2012 NSU graduates
Gist and ensemble invited to international band, orchestra conference
An ensemble led by Northwestern State University into the percussion director I am today,” said Gist. “The
alumnus Jim Gist has been selected to participate in one of faculty including Mr. Bill Brent, Dr. Jeff Mathews, and Mr. Ken
the largest band and orchestra conferences in the country. Green invested in me and had great influence on my career
The North Forney (Texas) High School Percussion Ensemble as both a teacher and musician.” 
has been invited to perform at The 74th Midwest Clinic, an Gist earned a Master of Percussion Performance degree
international band and orchestra conference on December at Texas A&M University-Commerce.  He is assistant band
16-19 in Chicago.  Gist said the mission of the North Forney director and percussion instructor at North Forney High
Percussion Ensemble is “a relentless pursuit of excellence.” School in Forney, Texas, where he has taught for the last
“The students set a goal in August 2019 to compete at a 11 years.  Gist previously served as the drumline instructor
national level, and they have been committed to the process at Baylor University, adjunct professor of percussion at
throughout the school year,” he said. “Even in these uncer- East Texas Baptist University and percussion coordinator/
tain times we are living in, I am confident our students will assistant band director at both Rockwall-Heath High School
rise to the challenge and commit to performing at a high in Rockwall, Texas and North Lamar High School in Paris,
level as we take our relentless pursuit of excellence to this Texas.  
national stage. We are proud to be North Forney Falcons, Gist plays percussion at Lake Pointe Church and has
and I am certain we will represent our school community performed with multiple groups including the Northeast
well in Chicago in December.” Texas Symphony Orchestra.  He enjoys arranging percussion
Gist, a 1999 graduate of Northwestern State, earned a music, writing marching band drill and teaching percussion
Bachelor of Music Education degree. While a student at camps throughout Louisiana and Texas. Gist is a member
NSU, he was a member of the NSU Wind Ensemble, Spirit of the Percussive Arts Society and Texas Music Educators
of Northwestern Marching Band, and the NSU Percussion Association. Gist has been married to his wife Megan, a 1998
Ensemble. Northwestern graduate, for 21 years.  They have one son,
“I give a lot of credit to my time at NSU for forming me Jake, who is 13.
8 SUMMER 2020